Why would there be an oil leak at the intake manifold on this car? How hard is it to change? Or am I looking at possible turbo issues?

Thanks
Doug

And what would that part be called. The parts here has no listing for an intake manifold gasket, just a ring?

thanks
Doug

That doesn't sound right....that oil is coming from somewhere...

Possible turbo bearings-oil leak??? Thats the only place I can imagine that oil coming from....

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

I cn not dee down in there, I just see a spray of oil up along the valve cover comming up from down in there.
Could it be a valve cover leak, and a leak at the intake just blowing it up?
I guess I will have to pull it all apart to check it out.
Any suggested tips on removing all of this?

Thanks
Doug

I have the manifolds and head off the SD at the moment. The passenger side of the block was covered in oil and grime after 20 years of use.

I suspect that the valve cover gasket is allowing this slight leakage. It's not a big deal unless you don't like the look, or if the amount gets too high.

It's possible that the intake/exhaust gasket is leaking a bit as well. The intake charge has some oil due to blowby and some leakage in the turbo.

Thank you.

I have not yet found an intake manifold gasket. Is it the same, or part of the exhaust gasket?

I would like to see If I can get it to stop, if it is not too involved.

Doug

It's all one gasket. The intake and exhaust are effectively using the same space along the side of the head, since it's not a crossflow design.

It's not too difficult to pull the exhaust/intake manifolds and turbo all as one unit. Gives you all kinds of space to do some cleaning and/or replace the starter while you are there. The starter on the 617 requires magical hands and some real skill if you are going to change it from underneath.......on jackstands.

intake, would it be under pressure at idle? i would think not. from you r description it is pretty hard to figure anything out. could you give a more detailed description of where it is coming from? i would be more likely to think it is from the oil feed to the turbo bearings.

tom w

__________________
[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Hmmm, could this possibly be from the oil separator, in the air cleaner, not funtioning up to par?

If you have a lot of oil in the air filter, this may be the case. It would be a better idea to make sure everything there is in good working order before yanking manifolds, etc....

__________________
Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

I have not checked the air filter. It is off to the side of the engine on this car. A canister behind the headlight. What does the oil seperator look like? I will look for a oily air filter and get back.

The Shop that did the PPI said it was the intake manifold. At first I got really worried because after 125 miles I was low almost a gallon
But after topping it off it seems fine, even after 250 miles. Then looking at the PPI, they noted that it was low.

I can not tell where it is leaking. I will have to look closer, I noticed the spray pattern up the side of the valve cover, and the PPI report.

I am getting ready to order a set of parts from here to do the first oil change for me. And I think I will send it in for an analisys.

Thanks for ALL the help.
Doug

I have seen this same problem and also thought it was coming from the intake/exhaust manifold area. I went through all of the items that were mentioned in this thread and found nothing wrong.

Getting to the fix...I found that the gaskets on the turbo oil lines were leaking (mainly the return line). There is an oil line on the top of the turbo (feed) and one at the bottom (return). The air flow in the engine compartment was spraying this oil everywhere and the oil leak was very bad. A simple gasket and I was on the road again.

It might be something to look at before tearing everything apart. This fix can be done with just removing the air cleaner housing.

Good luck,

__________________
Patrick Fiega

1981 300SD - My baby...
1977 Jeep CJ7 w/V8 - Made for a real man!
1973 Jeep CJ5 w/V8
1983 Jeep CJ8 - Rolling Rust Sprinkler to find your way home